About Bedgebury, the National Pinetum
Bedgebury National Pinetum is home to the largest pinetum in the world and it's important on a global scale for species conservation, scientific advancement and the understanding of conifers.
The mix of conifers and broadleaved specimens contained in 350 acres of rolling Wealden countryside is awe-inspiring in its size and grandeur. At the entrance to the pinetum, the visitor centre is situated beside the first of six lakes and ponds along the basin of Dallimore Valley. A series of paths wind through the valley, where you'll find an impressive stand of giant redwoods. The hillsides offer spectacular views of the tree collection and towards the northern boundary of the pinetum the iconic Marshal's Lake is surrounded by swamp cypress, which turn a glorious rusty red in autumn and deciduous dawn redwoods.
Pinetum Explorer
Bedgebury's trees are now searchable! You can use our interactive map to explore the collection tree by tree or take a tour of the National Pinetum.
Bedgebury's goals
1) To protect and enhance the National Pinetum and its biodiversity and heritage value.
2) To lead and support global conifer conservation programmes that help protect biodiversity.
3) To provide opportunities to improve people’s understanding and appreciation of trees, inspiring them to take action to protect the natural environment and support our work.
4) To provide research opportunities to identify future forestry species to mitigate climate change and susceptibilities to pests and disease.
5) To provide opportunities to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
6) To pursue opportunities that improve our financial performance in order to support our conservation, learning and wellbeing programmes.
7) To value and develop our staff and volunteers so they realise their full potential and are ready to support a wide range of activities, visitors and stakeholders.
We’re frequently asked, “What is a pinetum and how do you say it?”. Pronounced “py–nee–tum” (Latin for pine grove), it’s the name used to describe an arboretum (tree collection) that consists mainly of conifers. But despite its name, a pinetum contains more than just pines!
Why did we create a pinetum? Because it offers a sanctuary where scientists can study - and visitors can enjoy - these diverse, contrasting and beautiful trees.
Many botanic gardens include pinetums, although often they will only contain a small representation of the conifer family. Bedgebury is one of a handful of botanic gardens around the world that focuses specifically on this wonderful group of ancient plants. Bedgebury holds the National Collections of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Cryptomeria japonica, Juniperus, Taxus, heritage cultivars of Thuja and the thuggish XCupressocyparis leylandii cultivars.
What are conifers?
Conifers are a group of ancient plants that include cedars, firs, cypresses, junipers, kauri, larches, pines, hemlocks, redwoods, spruces and yews. Bedgebury has a wide variety of conifers in all shapes and size. These plants play a critical role in the health of our planet. However, some of these trees are incredibly rare, mainly as a result of over-exploitation and forest clearance.
Come and see this magnificent, awe-inspiring group of plants that have resisted 300 million years of whatever the planet has thrown at them living at Bedgebury!
